Weather

On Saturday we made it to 92 degrees, it was the 7th and final day of our latest heat wave.

The last time we had a heat wave that lasted that long was 11 years ago. In August of 2002 we had a 9 day heat wave with temperatures of 90 degrees or higher from August 11th through August 19th.

An official heat wave here in New England occurs when we reach 90 degrees or higher for three or more days in a row. On average we get about two to four heat waves a summer. Most of them tend to last about 3 to 4 days but some have been longer.

In July of 2010 we had a 6 day heat wave from July 4th through July 9th and back in 1999 we had a 6 day heat wave from July 28th through August 1st.

With 2-4 inches of rain on the way, flooding is a concern this weekend in western Massachusetts. There are a couple of excellent websites where you can track the current and forecast levels of rivers here in western Massachusetts.

1. The Northeast River Forecast Center: This map shows current and forecast levels for many of our major rivers in western Massachusetts.
2. US Army Corps of Engineers: Shows current and past level and flow of several western Massachusetts rivers. This website also shows levels of flood control reservoirs.

Keep in mind that even after it stops raining, rivers will continue to rise. In fact, some will continue to rise into Sunday. Rivers and streams will be running dangerously high and fast this weekend.

Since the June 1st tornado and more recently since horrific devastation in Oklahoma…more and more of you are playing an active role in observing the weather around you and sending pictures or information into the 22News Team.Often your reports include pictures, video or descriptions of what you see. From time to time you might tell us you’ve spotted a funnel cloud, tornado or even sent us pictures like the ones here from the storms on June 2nd 2013.

You might assume that based on the upsidedown shape that these pictures are of funnel clouds, but don’t be so sure. In order for a cloud to be considered a “funnel cloud” you need a rotating condensation funnel that is in contact with the cumulus clouds above (known in a thunderstorm as a wall cloud). Rotation is key…if a cloud is not rotating (even though it is moving), it may be considered a “scud” cloud or just a low hanging appendage of the main cloud above. To be clear, it’s almost impossible to tell based on cloud pictures alone whether these were funnel clouds or not without seeing rotation.

Once you’ve determined that there is tight rotation in that cloud then you have to figure out if that cloud is a funnel cloud or a tornado.

A tornado is clear when you have a condensation funnel cloud that is in contact with the ground OR a rotating condensation funnel causing debris or dust to spin up on the ground below it. Even if you don’t see the cloud touching the ground in some cases…if there’s debris flying just below it then it’s a tornado.

Take a look at this map. As you can see, climatology shows us Oklahoma is in the heart of tornado season right now. The collision of cold air from northern North America and warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and other parts of southern North America can have tragic results.

So, if a tornado approaches, where is the best place to hide? The answer depends on where you are, but generally, if you are in a building, the lower you are and farther away from windows, the better. This means getting in a basement if you have one. Otherwise, an interior room, bathroom, or closet is best.

Ray Harris of Springfield used to live in Florida, and has had to deal with many tornado warnings.

“They gave you warnings, told you to stay in a safe place with no windows, boarded up or whatever you have to do, keep water, things like that,” Harris said.

Once you have found a safe location, you should crouch down on your knees and cover the back of your head with your hands and cover your body with a blanket or a mattress.

If you’re in a mobile home, in a car, or outside, head for sturdy shelter. If none is available, head for somewhere low, like a ditch.

Once a tornado passes, watch out for debris, glass, and other hazards, and remember the 22News storm team will keep you informed ahead of any severe weather.